27+ Maxxis Chronicle vs Schwalbe Rocket Ron

[TomiKoo]

Hello

I need tires for 27+ project. My choise would be size 27,5x3 and I'm fighting between these choises:

Maxxis Chronicle Exo TR Dual  (990g)  (80€)
Schwalbe Rocket Ron Evo Liteskin  (720g)  (43€)
Schwalbe Rocket Ron Evo Snakeskin  (830g)  (43€)

RR is a lot cheaper and it is also lighter. On the other hand I have read/heard good experiences of Chronicles but no comparison.

My riding would be 50% gravel road / 30% trail / 20% tarmac. Bike is full rigid Surly Instigator with bags and heavy load.

Is there really good reason to choose Chronicle? I guess rolling and puncture protection are most important. I will be riding these tubeless.

Which of tires would you prefer and why?

[TomiKoo]

Come on, 96 times of reading and nothing to comment?

Just to add one more for my list:

There is also possibility to use 26+ setup with 50mm Rabbit Hole rim's and 3" Knard's. (875g and 98€ for comparison)

[bikeny]

I don't know what will fit in the Instigator, and I have not used either the Rocket Ron or the Chronicle. But, I would not worry about tire weight at all, and instead focus on performance for your needs. You haven't really mentioned where you will be riding and for how long, which may change your tire choice. I think the Rocket Ron liteskin would be asking for trouble, a sidewall tear out in the middle of nowhere would suck. WTB makes some nice fast rolling 27+ tires, but they are not light. Lots of other tires to look at as well from Specialized, Duro, Vee rubber, etc. Of the ones you mentioned, the Maxxis would be my choice.

[TomiKoo]

I would not worry about tire weight at all, and instead focus on performance for your needs. You haven't really mentioned where you will be riding and for how long, which may change your tire choice.

Performance needed would be good rolling and puncture protection. I thought low weight would mean good for rolling and accelerating. Tire should be "overall tire" for several trips.

For trips "minimum" is overnight ride with my son which means easy terrain and 10-20km per day. Easy trails like this and roads like this. Also just normal gravel roads. Son has 26" hardtail with Ardent front & Ikon back.

Maximum for my trips would be 2-4 days trip's alone in Norway and northern Finland. That means probably 20-70km per day on gravel roads and easy trail's. Road's like this and this. Also smaller road's like this and ATV trail's like this.

Liteskin is probably bad choise as you mentioned. And Chronicle is probably safe choise. I think I won't need "knobbier" tire for that terrain. It's still open do I benefit going from 26+ to 27+. Instigator frame and Salsa fork will take all of those anyway.

[geekonabike]

Hello

I need tires for 27+ project. My choise would be size 27,5x3 and I'm fighting between these choises:

Maxxis Chronicle Exo TR Dual  (990g)  (80€)
Schwalbe Rocket Ron Evo Liteskin  (720g)  (43€)
Schwalbe Rocket Ron Evo Snakeskin  (830g)  (43€)

RR is a lot cheaper and it is also lighter. On the other hand I have read/heard good experiences of Chronicles but no comparison.

To add another Lighter Cheaper option look at the Panracer Fat B Nimble 27.5 x 3.5 In my experience Panaracer over states the tire widths on the Fat B Nimbles across the line. Here a review that questions the durability:    https://ridealongside.wordpress.com/2015/08/06/panaracer-fat-b-nimble-27-5-x-3-5-tire-review/

[TomiKoo]

To add another Lighter Cheaper option look at the Panracer Fat B Nimble 27.5 x 3.5 In my experience Panaracer over states the tire widths on the Fat B Nimbles across the line.

That was interesting option. Found also good review for Chronicle @ bikepacking.com.

[Michael_S]

I haven't ridden the new 3" Rocket Ron's but IMO the Schwalbe MTB tires roll much faster and smoother than  Maxxis.  For the type of riding you describe I'd go with the Rocket Ron's.
I've ridden a number of Schwalbe XC oriented tires and prefer them to most other brands. 

mike

[TomiKoo]

Just to inform: Nobby Nic front and Rocket Ron rear (both Evo Snakeskin Pacestar) are now waiting summer. If those are good I'll get another Rocket Ron front for longer trip's. If tire clearance is good on Flow EX rim's I'll make new wheelset with DT XM551 rim's.

[TomiKoo]

Wanted to come back to tell some experiences. Nobby Nic front & Rocket Ron rear have been really pleasent surprise. Even snakeskin's are light and fast rolling. Those also have decent grip. Room for 3" has been a bit problem so Flow EX rim's are going to be ok in the future. Rim's are a bit narrow and need bit more pressure which is sad.